Local Government
Local government is the first line of defense for our environment. By working cooperatively with state and sometimes federal environmental protection officials, local officials can ensure that the right plans, regulations, and effective coordination mechanisms are in place to protect their township and environment. Local governments have the authority to implement local regulations that will foster the health and well being of their communities. Zoning is an effective way to reflect the unique characteristics of a township. When a township puts zoning into effect, they are protecting their natural resources and preserving their townships special features. Zoning can increase tourism and safety in our environmental resources. 

Sample Ordinances Word Documents
(Overlays, Groundwater, Stormwater, Wetland, Shoreline, Erosion)
Resource Protection Overlay District Standards
Groundwater/Source Water Protection
Stormwater Management/Impervious Surface Mitigation Standards
Wetlands Protection
Shoreline Protection
Shoreline Protection Overlay Zone
High Risk Erosion Areas Ordinance
DEQ Appendix V: Permit Coordination Checklist

For more info on ordinances, please review the following links:

Design Guidelines to Enhance Community Appearance and Protect Natural Resources:  www.wupcenter.mtu.edu/

MDEQ website:  www.michigan.gov/deq/

Filling the Gaps:  Environmental Protection Options for Local Governments

Watershed Management Terms
What is a watershed?  A watershed is a given area of land that drains into a common body of water. All of Michigan’s waters drain into the Great Lakes. A sub-watershed is smaller watershed within a bigger watershed. For example, Antrim County is in the Grand Traverse Bay watershed which means all of our water flows into Grand Traverse Bay.  The Grand Traverse Bay watershed is in the Great Lakes watershed and that Watershed is in the Atlantic Ocean Watershed. Watersheds vary in size depending on the scale you are working with.  
What are buffer strips?  Buffer strips are vegetated areas adjacent to water bodies (i.e. river, stream, wetland, lake). The buffer/filter area may be natural, undeveloped land where the existing vegetation is left intact, or it may be land planted with vegetation. Its purpose is to protect streams and lakes from pollutants such as sediment, nutrients and organic matter, prevent erosion, provide shade, leaf litter, and woody debris. Buffer/filter strips often provide several benefits to wildlife,, such as travel corridors, nesting sites and food sources. They also eliminate 50% of pesticides and pollutants and 705 of sediments.
What are impervious surfaces?  An impervious surface is one that does not allow infiltration of water. A surface that does allow infiltration of water is called a pervious surface.
What are road stream crossings?  Road stream crossings are the most frequent sources of sediment and pollutants entering a stream. Improper culverts may cause erosion on existing banks and block the traveling of fish and macro invertebrates. 
What is storm water?  When a rainfall event occurs, several things can happen to the precipitation. Some of the precipitation infiltrates into the soil, some is taken up by plants, and some is evaporated into the atmosphere. Stormwater is the rest of the precipitation that runs off land surfaces and impervious areas and eventually ending up in the nearest body of surface water. Storm water runoff accumulates pollutants such as oil and grease, chemicals, nutrients, metals, and bacteria as it travels across land. Storm water can produce negative impacts by causing erosion of land areas and stream banks by causing or increasing flooding and also by carrying pollutants to surface waters.   
What is Erosion?  Erosion is the displacement of soil particles on the land surface due to such things as water or wind action. 
What are BMPs?  Best management practices (BMPs) are methods that have been determined to be the most effective, practical means of preventing or reducing pollution from non-point sources.
What is an Ordinance? A rule, regulation or by-law enacted by a local government.